The elimination finals of the 2018-19 A-League season begin as Melbourne Victory host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:30pm (AEST).

Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix might be this season’s most exciting fixture. Three times they have met already, and three times they have traded blow for blow, including a pulsating 3-3 draw in January.

Now, Kevin Muscat looks to successfully navigate the arduous road of retaining their A-League title in the finals, while Mark Rudan is guiding his team through untested waters as they enter their first A-League knockout match since 2015.

Although this season has been a breath of fresh air for Phoenix supporters as they’ve finally proven their quality on the big stage, the late-season drop off following Rudan’s announcement he is leaving the club at the end of campaign is concerning.

Only last week, they were thrashed 5-0 by the Premiership winning Perth Glory, in a game that mattered little for the league leaders but could’ve arranged a date with Adelaide United for the Phoenix, had they lost by less than two goals or better.

Victory too, have been unconvincing of late, but doubt the reigning champions at your own peril. This is a side that sometimes feels like it has superpowers, especially during this crucial part of the season.

Prediction
Melbourne Victory’s home advantage mean they have the backing of their fans to push them to the semi-finals.

Victory to win 2-1 from a late goal that will break the hearts of Wellington Phoenix fans after finally making it to the finals.

Even still, the bookies putting Phoenix at $4.20 is quite surprising, you’d imagine they have a decent shot considering their recent matchups against Victory.